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Note the difference between a right and a privilege. A right, in the abstract, is a fact; it is not a thing to be given, established, or conferred; it is. Of the exercise of a right power may deprive me; of the right itself, never. Privilege, in the abstract, does not exist; there is no such thing. Rights recognized, privilege is destroyed. But, in the practical, the moment you admit a supreme authority, you have denied rights. Practically the supremacy has all the rights, and no matter what the human race possesses, it does so merely at the caprice of that authority.

Voltairine de Cleyre#5

FreedomRightsAnarchismPowerAuthorityCivil libertiesHuman rightsPower dynamics

About this quote

What does it mean?
Rights are inherent facts that cannot be taken away, while privileges are granted by authority and can be revoked. Admitting a supreme authority ultimately denies true rights because all power rests with that authority.
In plain terms
Rights exist naturally and cannot be given or taken, but privileges depend on those in power.
What can you take from it?
Distinguish between what you inherently possess and what authority allows you to have.

Where it applies

  • legal debates
  • political theory
  • rights activism

Putting it to work

  • analyze laws for inherent rights
  • question authority grants

Questions to consider

  • What rights do you claim as inherent?
  • How does authority limit your freedom?

Another view

The distinction may be theoretical if no mechanism exists to enforce rights against power.

More from Voltairine de Cleyre

  1. First, then, God, being all-just, wishes to do justice; being all-wise, knows what justice is; being all-powerful, can do justice. Why then injustice? Either y…

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  2. Government is as unreal, as intangible, as unapproachable as God. Try it, if you don't believe it. Seek through the legislative halls of America and find, if y…

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  3. The paramount question of the day is not political, is not religious, but is economic. The crying-out demand of today is for a circle of principles that shall …

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